Panama Canal Stereoview Keystone View Co. Gatun Locks Ships 1910s For Sale

Explore a fascinating piece of early 20th-century engineering with this antique stereoview card from the renowned Keystone View Company. This stereograph, numbered 21784, captures a "Busy Scene on the Panama Canal-Looking South over the Gatun Locks to the Gatun Lake Emergency Dam in Position." The detailed 3D image offers a unique perspective on the monumental Panama Canal, showcasing ships navigating the intricate lock system and the impressive Gatun Lake Emergency Dam.The reverse side provides extensive historical context and descriptive text titled "A BUSY SCENE ON THE PANAMA CANAL." It details the canal's construction, its strategic importance, the cost of the project ($400,000,000), and the key figures involved like Col. George W. Goethals. The text describes the canal zone as a 10-mile-wide strip belonging to the Republic of Panama but controlled by the United States, with a total route length of 43 miles. It also mentions Ferdinand de Lesseps' earlier attempt and highlights the engineering achievements, including the excavation of the Gaillard cut and the building of the Gatun Dam. The description explains the operation of the locks and the function of the emergency dam, noting that the canal task was completed in 1914.This stereoview is a superb example of a historical stereograph, ideal for collectors of Panama Canal memorabilia, maritime history, or antique 3D views. The card features a classic curved mount, characteristic of the era, and was published by the Keystone View Company, a leading producer of stereoscopic images.

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